WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD) released the following statement this morning after the Department of Labor released its April employment report, which showed a loss of 20,000 jobs in the American economy – the fourth consecutive month of job losses:

“While President Bush continues to dance around the question of whether our economy has tipped into recession, the American people – who are bearing the brunt of his failed economic policies over the last seven years – know the reality and it is jarring. Today’s employment report for April, which shows that the American economy lost 20,000 jobs last month, is just the latest evidence that our economy continues to struggle under this President’s stewardship.

“April was the fourth consecutive month of jobs losses – losses which have totaled 260,000 in 2008. And when coupled with the anemic report on gross domestic product earlier this week – which actually showed the economy is contracting when inventories and exports are excluded – it is no wonder that the American people are looking for new leadership and seeking a new direction for our nation.

“Democrats are hopeful that the recovery rebates enacted by Congress earlier this year – and which began to reach consumers this week – will provide a critical boost to our economy and give Americans some relief from exploding prices for gasoline, food and other consumer goods. And, given today’s jobs report, we will continue to weigh options for extending unemployment insurance benefits for Americans who have been put out of work.

“But the sad truth is that the American economy George W. Bush leaves for his successor will be in much worse condition than the one he inherited when he came to office. For millions and millions of Americans, the answer to the question ‘Are we better off than we were seven years ago?’ is a resounding ‘no.’ What is perhaps most disconcerting is that the Republican Party’s presumptive presidential nominee, Senator McCain, simply promises a continuation of this Administration’s failed policies. Democrats, in contrast, are committed to moving this nation in a new direction.”